Planning your honeymoon is one of the world’s most enjoyable wedding plans until you begin to look at prices. Many couples look for budget-friendly options. Here are a few. The cyan-blue waters and powder sands of Maldives, with its luxurious resorts, can be an unforgettable honeymoon destination. However, if you require something a bit easier on the budget, to get the most bang for your honeymoon bucks, without sacrificing high quality — there are many fabulous locations that are cheaper.
The estimated cost of a Maldives honeymoon package for five nights is $3,699 per person. Here, you will discover low-cost packages under $1,000, mid-range packages between $1,000 and $2,000, and higher-cost packages for more than $2000.
Jamaica
The Caribbean Island of Jamaica has lush tropical features that include rainforests, beaches, and mountains. It is a thrilling honeymoon destination that keeps you close to nature. Tourism experts tell us Jamaica is among the most affordable islands in the Caribbean to visit. That is a factor that attracts many couples. Couples can choose between a luxury resort, a modern hotel, or a small traditional inn based on their preferences and budget.
Honeymoon packages typically include an inclusive, luxurious room with mesmerizing views. Prices vary depending on when you visit. During the peak season, prices may be 30 percent or more than off-season prices. Overwater bungalows — in my view, the penultimate, world’s most posh arrangement — are available to enjoy the view of scenic turquoise beaches while staying in gorgeous accommodations — many with clear-glass floor panels so that you can watch exotic “Tropical Fish TV” in the warm blue waters right below you. Trust me — in an overwater bungalow, no matter where you go, you two will be extremely well-cared-for castaways. I’ve stayed in many an overwater bungalow — and it is always the THRILL of a lifetime.
Some honeymoon packages even offer private butler and chef services. There are a lot of activities for adventure-loving couples too.
Where, When, and What to Stay, Visit, and Do
The Sandals South Coast luxury property is an all-inclusive beachfront resort that is the ideal combination of European decorum. The resort brings guests close to the water with its romantic over-the-water chapel, an overwater bar, and over-the-water bungalows. As an all-inclusive — it’s one of the world’s best getaways, as your accommodations include limitless cuisine, snacks, alcohol and spirits, wines and beers, coffees — and so much more. Let me tell you — once you go to an all-inclusive resort such as Sandals, you’ll never want to visit a mere hotel room again, where you pay for everything, all the time.
It is located on a two-mile stretch along the south coast of Jamaica. The pristine white-sand beach is nestled in a 500-acre nature preserve. Three distinctive European Villages are featured on the spectacular seaside oasis. There are three pools, including the largest one in Jamaica.
At the Sandals Royal Caribbean, a kaleidoscope of culture from Bali to Britain awaits you. The Majestic Georgian-style Great House is surrounded by roaming peacocks and manicured gardens complemented by traditions, such as a game of croquet or afternoon tea.
The resort also has over-the-water bungalows. Mysteries of the Orient unfold where beachside and poolside pleasure beckon during the day, and island-style extravaganzas, an authentic Thai restaurant, and chic parties invite excitement in the evening. What’s not to love?
September and October are the most economical months to visit Jamaica. It offers sunshine despite the chances of rain. Springtime is also an excellent time to visit. The weather is sunny, and prices are lower than in months with big crowds of tourists.
The top list of things for honeymooners to do are
- Enjoy a couple’s massage in Sandals’ upscale Red Lane Spa — try the “Raindrop Dreams!”
- Enjoy a Sandals romantic dinner at a wealth of great restaurants
- Enjoy views from the Lover’s Leap Lighthouse
- Go snorkeling at the marina park in Montego Bay
- Raft the Martha Brae River
- Take sunrise walks on the beach
- Visit the Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios (bring your reef shoes!)
- Savor the taste of local jerk chicken
St. Lucia
In the North is the picturesque, sheltered, paradise-like Pigeon Island with golden sand. On the West Coast is Anse Cochon for nature lovers. It is a magnificent beach with a rainforest. Warm weather, romantic sunsets, outdoor adventure, mountains, natural beauty, and all-inclusive accommodations make St. Lucia a fantastic honeymoon destination. You can find innovative villas, cottage-style rooms, private beaches, swim-up bars, and buffets in one place.
And throw in waterfalls, sulphur springs, and botanical gardens.
The culture on the island is a mix of French, English, and African heritage. English is the official language, with Creole, a French Patois dialect, as the unofficial language. Typically, delicious animal protein, starches, and minimal green vegetables make up the local diet that reflects its plantation past. The beautiful island has the only drive-through volcano anywhere in the world.
Where, When, and What to Stay, Visit, and Do
An idyllic resort situated on a peninsula is the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. Rodney Bay is on the peninsula’s west side, with the calmest waters in St. Lucia. The breathtaking Atlantic Ocean is on the east side.
Sandals’ deluxe over-the-water bungalows also feature their famous — and fabulous — butler service,. where you will be positively pampered. They also feature glass floors that provide a view of ocean life right below your bungalow. You won’t ever forget the unbelievable “Fish TV” action right under your feet, in the warm blue waters! In fact, my husband and I took video footage of our stay in an overwater bungalow, and it is something that we never tire of watching! Guests at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian also have unlimited, free access to all Sandals resorts in St. Lucia — providing numerous enjoyable opportunities for fun, fun, and more fun.
Twenty-seven restaurants provide a culinary trip around the world. Liquor is unlimited (as Sandals is an all-inclusive resort) and the famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is unsurpassed. Access to all three island resorts makes up a three-for-one-price honeymoon. Think about that for a minute — you’ll get access to THREE luxury resorts for the price of one — just picture all the great restaurants that you can partake of! In my humble opinion, this is one of the most spectacular honeymoon offerings out there — and it’s pretty much an off-the-grid hidden secret. Until right now. Wouldn’t you love to luxuriate at your choice of three AMAZING private beaches too?
East Winds is another resort with lush tropical gardens and a private beach located in Corinth. Other features include a restaurant, outdoor pool, on-site Wi-Fi access, and free parking. Early May to early June is the best time to visit St. Lucia for a honeymoon. You escape the high prices, crowds, and winter while having an excellent time before the rain sneaks in.
Although the mountains are scenic, they cause higher downpours than other Caribbean islands. December to April is sunny and dry, but higher prices and more crowds add some inconvenience. It is not an ideal time for budget honeymooners. January is the best winter honeymoon month. The monsoon season is from June to November.
Things to do on a St. Lucia honeymoon include
- Chasing waterfalls
- Drinking Sundowners at Rodney Bay
- Hiking Pigeon Islands
- Hiking the Pitons
- Indulging yourself at Rabat Estate
- Partying with the locals
- Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea
- Taking a mud bath
- Taking boat rides
- Tasting local cuisine
- Trying a rum tasting
- Visiting Marigot Bay
- Ziplining through the rainforest.
Fiji
For various reasons, Fiji is considered among the best honeymoon destinations. The mix of spectacular landscapes, jungles, beaches, and luxurious amenities provide the romance and seclusion honeymooners desire. You’ll be following in the footsteps of model Miranda Kerr and Snapchat mogul Evan Spiegel, who stayed on private Laucala Island in Fiji for their honeymoon.
There are 300 tropical islands that make up the island nation. Vanua Levu and Vita Levu are the major islands. Life is tranquil in Fiji. There are quaint, welcoming villages and ideal beaches. Fiji offers plenty of water and land activities along with the desired seclusion. Seventy percent of Fiji’s population lives on Vita Levu. It is the location of the island’s capital city.
You will likely be in Vita Levu at some point during your honeymoon. It is the island most visited by tourists. The beauty of the island is nearly surreal. It has waterfalls, sand dunes, mountains to explore, and lush rainforests. Can you say “gorgeous?”
Vanua Levu is less touristy and more laid back. The major city, Labasa, has one street lined with shops. Beaches are a tropical paradise. You’ll find waterfalls, mountains, a magnificent coastline, and small villages. Paradise is redefined in Fiji. Whether you watch the sunrise over the water or stroll on a private beach, the memories will be unforgettable. And totally Instagrammable!
Where, When, and What to Stay, Visit, and Do
An adults-only haven of natural beauty is the Likuliku Lagoon Resort. It is a special and unique place for honeymooners in a pristine environment. The resort’s design embraces traditional architecture and design with integrity to the cultural values of the Fijian people.
It is so traditional in design that it resembles an ancient village. The heart of the resort is designed like a Fijian canoe house. It is surrounded by an exotic mix of modern elements and natural materials, hand-woven thatch, and sprawling ceilings. The resort embodies Fiji’s ancient culture with vibrant modern lifestyle touches.
Tokoriki Island Resort has 36 villas with a maximum of 72 guests. There you can enjoy incredible attention to detail and warm Fijian hospitality. You feel the fusion of Fijian style and contemporary villas and bures (the Fijian word for “bungalow”). They are all air-conditioned and freestanding, with outdoor showers surrounding landscaped gardens. This is also an adults-only resort.
The best time to visit for honeymooners who want to avoid large tourist crowds is the months from January to March and September to November. Did you know that Fiji has a lot of fun festivals that you can enjoy? The Sugar Festival is in September. It offers plenty of food stalls and Bollywood performances. They crown a Miss Sugar Princess, Miss Sugar Teen, Mr. Sugar King, and Lady Sugar. Sweet!
Other attractions include
- Garden of the Sleeping Giant
- Fiji Cruises
- Taveuni Island
- Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool, Nadi
- Biausevu Waterfalls
- Helicopter Tours
And I’m going to let you in on a little secret: There, you can find a fantastic locally-made, award-winning, upscale handmade skincare and body brand called Pure Fiji. It is a woman-owned, mother-daughter company. Pure Fiji’s “special sauce” is a balanced blend of exotic drift-seed oils that include virgin coconut oil, Dilo oil, sikeci oil, macadamia seed oil and recent-edition moringa oil. These organic oils are cold-pressed at source, using unique methods developed by Pure Fiji, which retain the integrity and molecular structure of the oil. Dilo oil, for example, is known to alleviate many dermatological ailments like sunburn, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, shaving irritation, rashes, and many more – which is attributed to the molecular structure of this oil remaining as nature intended, intact and with a generous bounty of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids to naturally help soothe and heal the skin. The numerous types of products, and scents, are gorgeous and include coconut, guava, coconut-lime, frangipani (plumeria), and mango. C’mon baby, do the local potion!
And they have a day spa in Suva!
FAQs
What Caribbean Island is most like the Maldives?
St. Lucia is quite similar to the Maldives of the three destinations mentioned above. There are overwater bungalows. You arrive by sea boat or seaplane. If you prefer, both places offer iconic spots that are not over-the-water. Both locations offer adventure and relaxation.
Which is better, Caribbean or Maldives?
It depends on your preference. Besides being known for its beauty, the Caribbean has an abundance of adventurous activities to explore. The Maldives is best suited for those who prefer a beautiful turquoise sea and just relaxing.
What do people consider the most beautiful Caribbean island?
The Petite and the Gros Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs designated by the UNESCO World Heritage that contribute to the beauty of St. Lucia and make it arguably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean.
What is the cheapest time to go to the Caribbean?
The low season, which is typically from May through August, is the cheapest time. The most economical months to score great deals are May and June. There will be rain showers during that time.
In sum, do your due diligence, make a list of everything you want in a heavenly honeymoon, and compare! You are sure to experience the luxury honeymoon of a lifetime.
